The Daughter of Highland Hall (17 page)

“It would be a challenge for Clark as well … but it would keep the family together, and that’s what’s most important.”

That was true. He loved his sister and had always looked out for her. Even though she was married now, he wanted to be sure she was happy and had everything she needed. If Dalton was willing to stay with them, then he would have to be agreeable.

He laid his hand over Julia’s. “I’m glad Sarah asked us before she hired Mrs. Dalton, but I’m not sure we can make that decision while we’re here in London. I’ve only met her once at the wedding.”

“I believe you also met her at the staff Christmas party.”

“Yes, but that was just in passing. I have no idea if she has the skills or character to manage the house and staff.”

“Housekeeper is an important position.” Julia thought for a moment. “Perhaps we could invite Mrs. Dalton to come to London with Sarah and Clark next week. Then we’d have a chance to get to know her.”

William mulled that over for a moment. “That sounds reasonable. But won’t it be awkward if Mrs. Dalton comes to London, then we decide not to bring her on?”

“It would be more awkward to hire her without the interview, then have to let her go. That would cause hurt feelings for sure.” Julia turned to him. “But if she is as skilled and experienced as Sarah says, then she may be just the person we’re looking for.”

“Very well. Why don’t you write to Sarah and ask her to make the arrangements with Mrs. Dalton? It will be a busy time with Katherine’s ball
and the extra houseguests, but it’s important, and it will hopefully build a stronger connection between us and Dalton.”

“You mean Clark.” Julia smiled and took his hand again.

“Yes, I must get used to calling him Clark.”

“I know that would make Sarah happy.”

“Calling him by his given name, or hiring his mother as our new housekeeper?”

“Both.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Inviting her here is a wise decision. Thank you.”

William’s chest expanded, and gratitude flowed through him. Managing a large estate like Highland was going to be much easier now that he and Julia could truly team up to make plans and decisions together.

He stared into the flickering flames. Finding a new housekeeper and accepting Clark Dalton as his brother-in-law seemed like minor issues compared to dealing with his brother’s situation.

How long would it take David to see the light and end this foolishness … and how much would it cost the family in the meantime?

If word of David’s indiscretions continued to spread, Kate’s hopes for the season might all come to nothing.

NINE
 

Kate lifted her skirt and stepped out of the car in front of the Wellingtons’ impressive Berkeley Square home. Tall columns supported an arched entryway, and wide stone steps led to the double front door.

“Remember, this is a very important night.” Aunt Louisa glanced across at Kate as she moved toward the steps. “Lord and Lady Wellington will be watching, and you must make a good impression.”

Kate followed her aunt, irritation prickling through her. “You’ve already made that very clear.”

“And I will repeat it as many times as it takes. You must do all you can to encourage Edward. He is your most promising prospect and the one who has shown the most interest.”

There was no need to remind Kate of that fact. Though she’d met several young men, Edward was the only one who had called on her at home and invited her to attend an event with him.

Louisa mounted the steps. “Don’t spoil your chances by forgetting your manners or getting carried away with idle chatter as you did at the garden party.”

“Edward appreciates my honesty. That’s why he invited me to the ballet.”

“He might have been amused by your comments, but it will take more than amusement to secure a proposal.” She stopped by the front door and lifted her finger. “It’s not enough to please Edward. You must please his parents as well.”

Kate’s stomach tensed at that thought. “Of course.”

“They’re eager for him to choose a bride this season, but he won’t do anything without their approval.”

Was that really true, or was her aunt exaggerating again? She opened
her mouth to protest, but the door swung open, and a tall footman in black-and-gold livery greeted them.

“I am Lady Louisa Gatewood, and this is my niece, Miss Katherine Ramsey.”

“Good evening, m’lady, Miss Ramsey. This way, please.” He ushered them inside and took their wraps.

Kate glanced around the large entry hall. Gold brocade draperies hung at the tall windows, and a thick oriental carpet covered most of the dark hardwood floor. An antique chest containing a display of blue-and-white Chinese pottery sat against one wall, and an elegant marble fireplace took center stage on the opposite wall.

A low murmur of voices drifted out from one of the adjoining rooms.

Lady Wellington stepped into the entry hall and crossed to meet them. “Louisa, I’m so glad you could join us this evening.” She kissed the air near Louisa’s cheek, then turned to Kate. “Welcome to our home, Katherine.” She smiled, but her voice held a touch of cool reserve.

A ripple of unease passed through Kate, but she forced a smile. “Thank you. I’m pleased to be here.”

“The other guests are in the drawing room. Shall we join them?” Lady Wellington motioned toward the open doorway on the left.

Louisa walked into the drawing room with Lady Wellington, and Kate followed behind. It was a lovely room with pale-green silk wall coverings and a sparkling chandelier overhead. Several large family portraits from centuries back hung on the walls.

Kate scanned the guests, but she didn’t see Edward or anyone she knew. The men were dressed formally, in tails and white ties. The women wore beautiful evening gowns and sparkling jewels. Though Kate didn’t like the way her aunt had scolded Lydia, she was right—a hair ribbon would not be the right choice for a dinner party. Most of the women wore tiaras or some type of jewels in their hair. She reached up and touched her jeweled comb to make sure it was in place.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned.

Edward smiled and gave a brief bow. “Good evening, Kate. I’m so glad you’re here.”

She returned his smile, relieved by his warm welcome. “Thank you, Edward. It’s good to see you again. Your home is lovely.”

He glanced around, his smile fading a bit. “It’s not really very comfortable, not like our home in the country. But my parents had it decorated with entertaining in mind.”

“So your family entertains often?”

“Yes, they host several parties throughout the season—even more this year since MaryAnn has come out. But most of the guests are my parents’ friends. I’m afraid the conversation can be terribly dull.” He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “There is a full moon tonight. Would you like to step outside and see the garden?”

She stilled and looked up at him. “Before dinner?”

He glanced toward the windows and back at her with a twinkle in his eyes. “It will be a few minutes before everyone arrives. I think we have time.”

Kate glanced around, wishing she could say yes, but her aunt’s words rose in her mind. “I don’t think we can just disappear.”

“Are you sure?” He sent her a pleading look. “I’d really love to show it to you.”

“I’m afraid I’m under strict orders from my aunt to be on my best behavior tonight.” She smiled, hoping he would understand.

He chuckled. “All right. We wouldn’t want to upset your aunt.” He cocked his eyebrows. “Perhaps we can take a stroll after dinner?”

Taking a moonlit walk in the garden with Edward sounded very romantic, but before she could answer, Lord Wellington approached with another man and introduced him to Edward and Kate. The two older men launched into a conversation about the upcoming session of Parliament. Edward seemed quite interested and joined in. Kate listened for a few minutes, but did not really understand much of it. Her gaze drifted across the room and connected with a young woman standing by the piano.

Recognition brought a smile to Kate’s face. Margaret Covington, one of her oldest friends from Berkshire, returned her smile and subtly motioned
Kate to join her. Kate excused herself from the men and crossed the room to meet her friend.

“What a wonderful surprise.” Margaret reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Wellingtons.”

“My aunt is a good friend of Lady Wellington’s. She introduced me to them at a garden party. How do you know them?”

“My father and Lord Wellington have been friends since they were boys. Our families have visited each other several times in the past few years.”

“How nice. Then you must be good friends with MaryAnn and Edward.”

“Oh yes. MaryAnn is a dear girl. We enjoy riding together in the country and here in town.” Margaret’s gaze shifted across the room. “Edward is a very clever young man, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.”

“I saw you talking to him. He seemed quite interested in what you were saying.” Margaret cocked her head. “Is there a romance blossoming between you two?”

Kate blushed. “I really couldn’t say. We’ve only just met.”

Margaret’s green eyes sparkled. “Not according to MaryAnn.”

Kate’s heartbeat sped up. “What did she say?”

“That you and Edward have gone riding three times, and he took you to the ballet with his family.”

“Yes, that’s true. We saw the Ballet Russes at Covent Garden. It was amazing. Have you seen them?”

Margaret smiled. “Not yet, but don’t try to change the subject. MaryAnn thinks he’s quite taken with you.”

Kate glanced at Edward. “We have enjoyed our time together.”

“Well, his parents are pleased.” Margaret leaned closer. “I’m sure they’re very happy to see him finally interested in someone from the right kind of family.”

“Why do you say that?”

Margaret looked around and leaned closer. “Two years ago he fell helplessly in love with Florence Piedmont, but she is the illegitimate daughter of
Felix de Rothschild, and of course that made her an unsuitable match, even though Rothschild is a very wealthy banker.”

Kate glanced past Margaret’s shoulder at Edward. She shouldn’t listen to gossip, especially about Edward, but she couldn’t deny she wanted to hear the rest of the story. “I don’t believe I’ve met Florence Piedmont.”

“I doubt you ever will. Since Edward broke things off, she rarely goes out. It’s quite sad. I feel sorry for them, but Edward had no choice.”

“What do you mean?”

“As the oldest son, he’ll inherit the title and the estate after his father’s death, but until then he is dependent on his parents for an income. He could never marry without their consent … that is unless he wants to live as a pauper, and I doubt Edward would do that.”

“No, I wouldn’t think so, but how sad for them to be kept apart because of matters out of their control.”

“Yes … it’s a shame for Florence. But perhaps it’s a stroke of luck for you.”

Kate bit her lip, pondering the story and what it might mean for her.

“Your aunt’s connection with the Wellingtons gives you a great advantage. And MaryAnn says they wouldn’t have any objection to you and Edward developing a friendship that could lead to something more.”

Kate’s hopes rose, but questions rushed in. Edward and his family approved of her now, but what would they say when they learned her cousin Sarah had married Highland’s head gardener? Did they know her cousin William’s fiancée was the former governess? And what if the news of David’s affair with a married woman continued to circulate? What would they think of her and her family then?

A wave of dizziness passed through Kate, and she leaned against the piano to steady herself. Would the choices her family had made destroy her hopes for marriage? Would anyone look past those issues, consider her as an individual, and choose her as his wife?

The butler approached and announced that dinner was ready to be served. Lady Wellington circulated around the room, arranging the guests in order of precedence to enter the dining room.

She motioned to her son. “Edward, will you escort Katherine, please?”

“I’d be delighted.” He offered Kate his arm.

She slipped her hand into place, and a nervous flutter passed through her stomach. The guests stepped back so they could pass through the room, but their eyes followed her. She lifted her chin and tried to ignore their questioning glances. It wasn’t easy, especially with the knowledge of her family’s secrets weighing her down each step of the way.